Robinho’s son makes alteration at Santos months after Neymar Jr bust-up

Jul 4, 2026 - 20:15
Robinho’s son makes alteration at Santos months after Neymar Jr bust-up

Robinho Jr has reportedly reverted to using the name ‘Juninho’ on his Santos shirt.

The 18-year-old is the son of disgraced ex-Manchester City and Real Madrid forward Robinho.

Robinho Jr in action for Santos
Robinho Jr broke into Santos’ first team last year, with the forward still awaiting his first senior goal
Shutterstock Editorial

Born Robson de Souza Junior, he was named after his father, but went by the nickname Juninho whilst coming through the youth ranks at Santos.

The change to Robinho Jr then occurred when the youngster was promoted to the team’s senior squad in July 2025.

This was said to be in tribute to his father, with the 100-cap ex-Brazil international  serving a nine-year prison sentence for rape.

Robinho was imprisoned in March 2024, having initially been found guilty by an Italian court in 2017 for taking part in the gang rape of a 22-year-old woman in 2013.

My name is…

According to Brazil outlet Universo Online, Robinho Jr has now requested to revert back to the title Juninho.

The teenage forward is said to go by the name on a daily basis at Santos’ Rei Pele Training Centre, with teammates, coaching staff and employees all addressing him this way.

Having opted to adopt the nickname once again, it will now be reflected on the back of his Santos shirt and all official merchandise.

The new title is not to be confused with former Brazil internationals Juninho Pernambucano or Juninho Paulista, who starred for Lyon and Middlesbrough respectively among other clubs.

Robinho Jr – now Juninho – made his professional debut for Santos in July 2025, and has since gone on to make 27 senior appearances.

He is still awaiting his first senior goal.

Robinho Jr
Robinho Jr has featured 19 times in the Brazilian Serie A
Getty

Training ground bust-up

Though still in the early stages of his career, Robinho Jr has already had one high-profile run-in.

Two months ago, the starlet earned huge attention after a training ground bust-up with Santos teammate and Brazil superstar Neymar.

Neymar is said to have seen red after Robinho Jr dribbled past him, and allegedly slapped the youngster in the face.

Reports claimed that the two had squared up to each other and engaged in a pushing and shoving match after the ex-Barcelona star felt he had been disrespected, before hitting Robinho Jr.

The incident resulted in an internal investigation being opened at Santos and a public apology from Neymar.

Neymar said: “If you want an apology in front of the media, here it is.

Robinho Jr and Neymar
Despite their training ground bust-up, Robinho Jr and Neymar are said to share a close bond
Getty

“I did overreact, yes, in the way I reacted. It could have been different but I ended up losing my head.

“Everyone makes mistakes. It was my mistake, his mistake, I made a slightly bigger mistake.

“He’s a boy I like very much, for whom I have a special affection. It happens in football – you argue with your friend, your brother. That’s football, it’s part of the game.”

Robinho Jr also confirmed the pair had patched things up, saying: “It was a situation that upset me because [Neymar] has been my idol since I was a child.

“People around us say a lot of things that aren’t true and it’s sad to see it blow up to this level.

“But I’m fine, I like him a lot. We’ve already talked and it’s all sorted.”

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